Holness Announces $10M and $5M Allocations for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

Andrew Holness

 Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a significant Building Support Programme in Parliament, designed to provide critical assistance to households affected by the recent devastation from Hurricane Melissa. The initiative will channel funds directly to Members of Parliament (MPs) across the island to fast-track housing repairs and reconstruction.

The funding is structured on a tiered system, prioritizing the parishes that bore the brunt of the storm.

Tiered Allocation Details

During his address, the Prime Minister outlined the three-tiered allocation plan:

  • $10 Million Allocation: MPs in the parishes deemed worst-affected—St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, Hanover, and Trelawny—will each receive $10 million.

  • $5 Million Allocation: Constituencies in St. Ann, Manchester, and Clarendon will receive $5 million each.

  • $3 Million Allocation: MPs in all other parishes will be allocated $3 million to address housing needs in their respective communities.

Parliamentary Clarification

While making the announcement, the Prime Minister mistakenly mentioned Manchester twice when listing the allocations. He quickly acknowledged the oversight, assuring the chamber that the minor administrative error would be “resolved” to ensure the funds are distributed correctly.

This targeted funding aims to accelerate the recovery process and bring direct relief to thousands of Jamaicans impacted by the hurricane.

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